Job Discussion Forums

FloridaTEFL · Joined: 03 Apr 2005 Posts: 66

Hi...!
I'm strongly considering the move to Thailand in early September, but I would be interested in working 2 jobs, at least in the beginning. I would like to work a regular, full-time job during the day and a part-time job a few evenings, or every evening, during the week.
I'm honestly not too worried about being over-worked. This wouldn't be long term.
But is this legal? Are there a lot of hoops to go through for working 2 jobs?
Thank you!!

sigmoid · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 1276

Technically, the work permit applies to one full-time job and other work is not legal.

Remember that your visa is tied to your wp, so I've never heard of anyone having two wp's, which would complicate the whole process.

But, in practice, people often pick up extra work on a casual basis with minimal (but still potential) risk.

Also, if you're under contract at a large institution (secondary school, college, university), there are often additional projects/programs/courses that teachers have the option of accepting for additional pay.

FloridaTEFL · Joined: 03 Apr 2005 Posts: 66

Thanks for that information!!
A related question about pay...if someone with teaching experience is IN Thailand looking for a job, what is the "realistic" pay he/she can expect?? There are so many ads that offer around 35,000 baht per month. Is closer to 50,000 possible or too much to hope for?

EFL Educator · Joined: 17 Jul 2013 Posts: 988 Location: Cape Town

It is possible to earn up to Baht 50,000 per month if you pick up extra work. You are right by saying most full time jobs advertise around Baht 35,000/Month as this is the common market rate for EFL teachers, If you pick up privates, work evenings and weekends this figure is attainable and more.

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

Ajarn lists jobs that pay 50,000 Baht. I think you'll be fortunate to get a job that pays 40,000 Baht.

FloridaTEFL · Joined: 03 Apr 2005 Posts: 66

I appreciate the feedback!

I have a masters in TESOL plus 5 years teaching experience with both kids and university students. (But not a teaching licensure)

If I start looking while in Thailand (around Bangkok) what is the minimum I should ask for? Maybe 50,000 Baht? I'm just asking because I don't want to get my hopes up or be unrealistic about what I should expect...

Thanks so much!

sigmoid · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 1276

The reason you don't often see a lot of 50k baht/mo jobs advertised is because those positions are easily filled. Thailand, in spite of its flaws and ongoing troubles, is still quite a popular place to be.

So, while your qualifications are certainly good, the process for getting a higher-paying job is likely to be fairly competitive and your success may depend on many other factors such as age, appearance, personality, nationality, etc. Even the timing of your application or mere random chance may come into play.

What you should do is research schools, get some names, make some contacts, send out some feelers and see what kind of responses you get. That way you'll be better prepared for your job search if you decide to arrive.